KUCHING: The Bill to add 12 additional races in the Schedule of the Interpretation Ordinance and to give effect to the recent amendment in Clause (6)(a) of Article 161A Federal Constitution on the indigenous races of Sarawak was welcomed by members of the public.
The Interpretation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was unanimously passed in the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (Feb 15).
The Bill was tabled by Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
She also said that under the amendment, a child from a mixed marriage may be considered as a native even if only one of his/her parents is a native, subject to the conditions and requirements to be imposed by the State Executive Council (MMKN).
“This amendment (on a child from a mixed marriage) is timely and a way forward for Sarawak where mixed marriages are common.
“With this amendment, a child will be considered a native as long as either parent is a native. There is no longer a requirement that both parents must be a native of Sarawak, as previously required.
“This is an extremely significant and historic amendment especially to the children of mixed marriages, as this amendment will resolve the serious and dire legal predicaments to many children of mixed native and non-native parents in the area of inheritance and transfer of native lands and many more other matters.”
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to three members of the public about the historic amendment.
DESMOND MARCUS
(Private Sector Employee)
I see it as good for the Chinese and Indian communities in Sarawak when they marry couples from Sarawak, including those from the Iban, Bidayuh and others. For me, this will also empower the Sarawak government to control and protect the rights of the indigenous people themselves as opposed to being controlled by the federal government before.
MOHAMMAD KHAIRUDDIN RUSHDI AYUPHAN
(Private Sector Employee)
This effort proves the government is committed to issues that really matter. This is also a step that is seen as respecting the 1963 Malaysia Agreement because we know that there are various provisions that give privileges to the children of Sarawak themselves even if only one of the parents is a native. For me, this is the government’s continuous effort to restore the status of Sarawak children who have their own privileges. This amendment is very appropriate to restore the original rights of the people of Sarawak in particular.
BONAVENTURE JUANA
(Chief of Tellian Village)
Regarding the amendment of all indigenous ethnic groups to become indigenous and not others, I see it as very accurate. In the meantime, looking at this matter, I admit that previously there were problems with Chinese children, even though the father from the Indigenous and the Chinese mother still took the time to apply for ‘bumiputera’ status. And when it comes to the level of grandchildren later it becomes a question and a difficulty here. Usually, the people will demand ‘bumiputera’ status to qualify them to inherit ‘bumiputera’ status property from their ancestors. For myself, I want certainty whether the interpretation of natives who can automatically inherit properties with ‘bumiputera’ status. In this matter, I hope that the meaning of the amendment to the status of our natives needs to be refined, and we at the penghulu and village head level will usually evaluate the applicants according to the set guidelines if anyone applies for ‘bumiputera’ rights.
